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Not long ago, patients walked into the exam room carrying a paper medical record. Today, they arrive with a smartphone in hand.
Before meeting a doctor, many have already asked AI to interpret their symptoms, read online discussions, watched videos explaining possible diagnoses, and browsed countless posts sharing what to do, or what to avoid. By the time they sit down for their appointment, they've often rehearsed the entire conversation in their minds.
Yet despite having more information than ever before, many patients feel less certain, not more.
Two recent cases from United Family's Digestive Disease Center highlight an important reality of modern medicine: information is everywhere, but trust is still built through conversation.
Case 1: When the Treatment Plan Changes
A former athlete from New Zealand first came to China seven years ago with a BMI of 20 and a lean, athletic build. Over the years, however, he developed a love for Chinese cuisine, exercised far less than he once had, and, combined with a family history of obesity, his weight steadily increased. By the time he sought treatment, his BMI had reached 40, placing him in the severe obesity category.
After years of struggling with his weight, he came to United Family's Minimally Invasive Digestive Center hoping to undergo an endoscopic gastric bypass stent procedure as a minimally invasive weight-loss solution.
But during his routine pre-procedure gastroscopy, doctors discovered more than 50 gastric polyps. The procedure was no longer appropriate and had to be canceled.
For the patient, the news was devastating. What he believed was his best chance to regain control of his health suddenly disappeared, leaving him anxious and discouraged.
Instead of immediately discussing the next treatment option, Dr. Li Wen, Chair of the Digestive Disease Center, took the time to talk through what the findings really meant.
He explained that while medications and procedures can be powerful tools, they are ultimately just that, tools. The patient's obesity and multiple gastric polyps suggested that his eating habits had gradually moved away from what his body actually needed. The true goal of weight-loss treatment, Dr. Li said, is not simply to reduce a number on the scale, but to help patients develop healthier, more sustainable habits for life.
Learning to eat differently isn't about punishment or deprivation, he explained. It's about taking back control of your own health.
The conversation changed the patient's outlook. His disappointment gave way to optimism, and he began talking about a long-term plan to manage his weight through lifestyle changes. Before leaving, he asked for Dr. Li's contact information, saying he appreciated United Family's patient-centered approach and would confidently recommend the hospital to friends and family seeking medical care in China.
Case 2: Sometimes the First Step Is Simply Listening
The second patient worked in digital media and had undergone an appendectomy two years earlier. More recently, she had surgery to remove hemorrhoids and an anal polyp, after which she developed stump appendicitis, a rare but recognized complication that can occur after an appendectomy.
Although stump appendicitis cannot be completely prevented, prompt antibiotic treatment quickly brought the infection under control.
As someone accustomed to researching information for a living, she began reading extensively about the appendix. She learned that the organ does play a role in immune function and discovered newer minimally invasive techniques, such as Endoscopic Retrograde Appendicitis Therapy (ERAT), which can preserve the appendix in carefully selected patients.
Reflecting on what she had learned, she told Dr. Li that if her own child ever developed appendicitis, she would want to explore every option before choosing surgery. More than anything, she wished patients received more education about the treatments available to them before important decisions were made.
Dr. Li listened attentively to the patient's concerns and reassured her that her previous surgery was performed appropriately. He pointed out that stump appendicitis is a recognized complication that can occur even when treatment is done correctly. Additionally, he stressed that good medical care encompasses more than just technical abilities; patients deserve transparent explanations, honest discussions about risks, thoughtful pain management, and a full understanding of their treatment options.
He also highlighted a critical point often missed in online discussions. Procedures like ERAT (Endoscopic Robotic-Assisted Appendectomy) are only appropriate for carefully chosen patients with uncomplicated appendicitis. When appendicitis progresses to perforation or diffuse peritonitis, surgery remains the safest and most effective option for definitive treatment. Relying on incomplete or out-of-context information can lead to delays in care when time is of the essence.
By the end of their conversation, the patient felt a shift in her perspective. She came to understand that while medicine cannot eliminate all risks, her questions had been heard and answered honestly. This feeling of being respected as a partner in her care helped alleviate much of her frustration.
In the Age of AI, Human Connection Matters More Than Ever
These two cases reflect how the relationship between doctors and patients is evolving.
In the past, the greatest gap between physicians and patients was access to medical knowledge. Today, with AI and endless online resources available at our fingertips, information is no longer the challenge. Understanding it is.
Clinical expertise will always be the foundation of quality healthcare. But empathy, transparency, and meaningful communication are what transform medical expertise into patient trust.
Technology can answer questions. It can summarize research and explain procedures. But it cannot replace the reassurance that comes from an honest conversation with a physician who understands not only the illness, but the person sitting across from them.
At United Family's Digestive Disease Center, we believe exceptional care requires both clinical excellence and genuine compassion. In an age increasingly shaped by AI, that human connection remains one of the most important parts of healing.
Introduction
Wen LI
Chair of Gastroenterology, United Family Healthcare Beijing & Shenzhen
Specialties
Endoscopic treatment of biliary and pancreatic diseases (choledocholithiasis, cholangiocarcinoma, pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer) Endoscopic treatment of early gastrointestinal cancer (ESD) Endoscopic treatment of gastrointestinal muscularis propria tumors (EFTR, STER) Endoscopic treatment of achalasia (POEM) Endoscopic treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (Peroral Endoscopic Cardial Constriction) Endoscopic treatment of hemorrhoids (ligation +/- sclerotherapy) Endoscopic treatment of intractable abdominal pain (EUS-CPN) Percutaneous Biopsy of Lesions Around the Gastrointestinal Tract (EUS-FNB) Endoscopic diagnosis of unexplained ascites (NOTES) Endoscopic treatment of esophageal and gastric variceal bleeding (ligation +/- sclerotherapy) Combined endoscopic and laparoscopic treatment for complex and difficult benign and malignant gastrointestinal diseases
Education Background
Received bachelor’s degree in medicine from China Medical University in 1986 Completed MMed with specialty in internal medicine from the PLA Medical School, under the guidance of Professor Huang Changxia Received MD in surgery from The Chinese University of Hong Kong under the guidance of Professor Sydney Chung in 2000; Professor Chung is the former Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at The Chinese University of Hong Kong and an internationally renowned laparoscopic surgeon, known as the “Father of Endoscopy in Hong Kong.” He performed the first laparoscopic cholecystectomy in mainland China in the early 1990s, pioneering minimally invasive surgery in China. In 2015, invited by Professor Peter Cotton to serve as a visiting scholar at the Medical University of South Carolina. Professor Peter Cotton is one of the earliest experts to complete endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and is known as the “Father of ERCP.”
Work Experience
Over 25 years as Deputy Director of Gastroenterology at the PLA General Hospital and served as the first Director of Gastroenterology at the PLA General Hospital (Hainan Branch) Since 2022, has served as Chair of Internal Medicine & Gastroenterology at Beijing United Family Hospital and Shenzhen New Frontier United Family Hospital
Academic Achievements
Published 42 SCI papers, 27 English abstracts, and 135 Chinese papers Trained over 30 doctoral and master’s students Principal applicant for grants, including the National Natural Science Foundation totaling RMB1.6 million, and co-applicant for RMB6.1 million Authored numerous professional books Delivered keynote speeches at 15 major international conferences in the United States, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Austria, Denmark, Singapore, Japan, India, and South Korea Guided doctoral and master’s students to win nine excellent paper awards at international conferences, including United European Gastroenterology Week (UEGW), and received Travel Grant awards
Honors, Awards, and Professional Memberships
Vice Chairman, Endoscopy Professional Committee, Chinese Non-government Medical Institutions Association (CNMIA) Vice Chairman, Digestive Disease Professional Committee, CNMIA Vice President, World Endoscopy Association Digestive Endoscopy Association Vice Chairman, China Geriatric Health Research Association Deputy Leader of the NOTES Group, Digestive Endoscopy Branch of the Chinese Medical Association Vice President, Modern Medical Health Research Branch, China Geriatric Health Research Association International Member, American Gastroenterological Association (ID No. 915672) Member, Asia-Pacific Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery Working Group Second Prize, Teaching Achievements in Military Medical Institutions Second Prize, Medical Achievements in the Military Second Prize, Scientific and Technological Progress, PLA General Hospital Received “Outstanding Contribution to Scientific Innovation Award,” PLA General Hospital Hainan Branch Participated in “Hundred Famous Doctors” Program, PLA General Hospital Participated in “Hundred Diseases and Wondrous Prescriptions” Cultivation Program, PLA General Hospital Third-Class Merit, Individual, General Political Department of the PLA
Department Introduction
The Digestive Disease Center brings together specialists in gastroenterology, gastrointestinal surgery, hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery, integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine, and pediatrics. Since its founding, the center has pioneered a truly multidisciplinary model that breaks down traditional specialty silos, attracting leading experts from across China. Its core team includes Professor Li Wen of the Department of Gastroenterology at the Chinese PLA General Hospital (301 Hospital), Professor Qian Jiaming of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Professor Wang Qiusheng of Peking University People's Hospital, Professor Hua Surong of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Professor Hao Jianyu of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Dr. Zhang Lin, Director of the Western Medicine Teaching and Research Office at Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Dr. Jin Limin, a specialist in pediatric digestive diseases.
Instead of requiring patients to navigate between multiple departments, the center brings specialists together around the patient. Multidisciplinary teams work together to create personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique condition and disease stage, ensuring exceptional, individualized care.
The United Family Digestive Disease Center is an exciting, internationally-focused clinical platform that fosters collaboration among top physicians from China and around the world. Patients have the wonderful opportunity to select their care path, either by receiving treatment from our dedicated specialists, who prioritize a warm and patient-centered approach, or by consulting with esteemed global experts. This flexible model truly showcases United Family Healthcare's unwavering dedication to placing patients at the heart of everything we do, ensuring a supportive and personalized experience for everyone.
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